Economy-class seating is shown on a new United Airlines Boeing 787-9. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

(Newser)
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Airline seats are getting smaller, Americans are getting bigger—and the Senate has decided the issue is none of its business. A proposal from Sen. Charles Schumer to do something about ever-shrinking airline seats and legroom was rejected Thursday by a 54-to-42 vote, with almost every Republican in the chamber voting against it, the BBC reports. The amendment from Schumer—who complains that "it costs you an arm and a leg just to have room for your arms and legs"—was attached to a broader aviation bill. It would have banned airlines from reducing seat size and the distance between rows for 30 days while the FAA worked on setting seat size and row spacing requirements for US airlines, reports CNNMoney. It would also have required airlines to post seat sizes on their websites.

The amendment "would ensure that airlines can't keep chopping down on seat size and legroom until consumers are packed in like sardines in a can on every flight," said Schumer, who blamed airline lobbyists for the defeat. "Flying is not pleasant anymore. You're crammed in." The Washington Post notes that the width of the average economy seat has shrunk to 17 inches from 18.5 inches since the '70s, rows are now more than 4 inches closer together, and the proportion of Americans considered obese has soared to 35% over the same period. A similar amendment introduced in the House earlier this year was also shot down.

Senators don't fly economy class, so they aren't discomforted by the minuscule seats. A standard dining chair seat is 18" wide. How can an airline seat be smaller than that? This is a health and safety issue.

TellTheTruth-2

Apr 11, 2016 8:20 AM CDT

Deregulation worked its' magic ... for a while ... fares came down when airlines competed; but, mergers have driven prices to all time highs with confusing extras that cost even more. Thanks for trying Senator Schumer; but, you can't get the toothpaste back into the tube.

Roy Thomas

Apr 9, 2016 4:50 PM CDT

Amazes me how many people want government to set the rules for their lives. I have to fly I live on an island, this bill would have increased my cost of living in higher travels costs.